Say
the word “hybrid” and most drivers will think of smaller,
odd-looking cars along the lines of the Prius or Insight which are
aimed at saving fuel and reducing emissions. The benefits of a hybrid
design in a performance car have some appeal as well, but hybrid and
performance aren't usually said in the same sentence.

Porsche
is certainly one of the most famed marquees in sports cars and the
firm is no stranger to hybrid technology. Porsche is currently
putting the finishing touches on the Cayenne
Hybrid SUV that uses a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 coupled with an
electric motor producing an extra 50HP.

Porsche is also
looking at hybrid technology for the racetrack as well with the
announcement that a 911
GT3 R Hybrid will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.
Porsche is using hybrid technology in its all-wheel-drive racing car
for a few reasons. The car is currently being
prepped for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where vehicles race stopping for
fuel and to switch drivers (along with any requisite repairs). The hybrid system used in
the GT3 R Hybrid provides some fuel economy improvements, but Porsche
is not saying exactly how much fuel it saves.

The hybrid system in
the GT3 R Hybrid uses a flywheel system that harnesses kinetic energy
under braking to power a pair of electric motors mounted in a single
assembly. The electric motors and flywheel assembly sit where the
passenger seat of a street 911 would normally reside. Power gathered
by the flywheel system is sent to the front wheels and when fully
charged the hybrid system can provide a 6-8 second burst of power for
passing and exiting corners activated by a button on the steering
wheel. The flywheel in the hybrid system will reportedly spin as fast
as 40,000 rpm.

The pair of electric motors provides an
additional 161 horsepower to the front wheels supplementing the
4.0-liter flat-6 that produces 480hp and sends its power to the rear
wheels. Porsche is mum on performance claims for the 911 GT3 R
Hybrid, but the car will appear on May 15 at the Nurburgring 24 Hours
endurance race.

“So far we have not seen a single Android device that does not infringe on our patents." -- Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith